joy
Advent at East Cooper Sunday, December 7, 2014
joy
9:30 and 11:00 am Sanctuary Services The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before. What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you. And you begin to grasp what it was you missed, like Moses in the cleft of the rock, watching God’s [back] fade in the distance. So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. There will be time enough for running. For rushing. For worrying. For pushing. For now, stay. Wait. Something is on the horizon.
The following prayer may be used as you prepare for worship: O GOD OF JOY, as we enter this Advent season -- help me not to lose my wonder at the JOY that advent brings. For Wonder is at the root of praise. Wonder is at the heart of Christmas, and not for one day only but for each waking day. At the heart of Christ’s incarnation is the truth that God makes extraordinary things happen in ordinary places, that heaven and earth holy and earthly God and human are intertwined. Don’t let me lose my wonder. Let me know true joy. Amen.
The Reflections for the Prelude Advent is a corporate spiritual journey that calls for expectant waiting and readiness for the coming of the Christ. When the Church travels this journey and treats it as a discipline of life and prayer, the joy of Christmas is immeasurably intensified. Robert Webber Not everyone can wait: neither the sated nor the satisfied nor those without respect can wait. The only ones who can wait are people who carry restlessness around with them and people who look up with reverence to the greatest in the world. Thus Advent can be celebrated only by those whose souls give them no peace, who know that they are poor and incomplete, and who sense something of the greatness that is supposed to come, before which they can only bow in humble timidity, waiting until he inclines himself toward us—the Holy One himself, God in the child in the manger. God is coming; the Lord Jesus is coming; Christmas is coming. Rejoice, O Christendom! Dietrich Bonhoeffer The Christian grace of courage is not so much the absence of fear but the presence of joy. Jesus faced the cross ‘for the joy that was set before him’ (Heb 12:2). There is the joy of what Jesus has already done for you. He came to earth for you; He’s slain the only giants who could have really destroyed you. There is also the joy of what Jesus is going to do in the future. All evil in the end is a temporary, passing thing. There is light and high beauty forever beyond its reach. Jesus proves it. If you rejoice in that—you will be brave, bold and joyful in the face of anything. Timothy J. Keller Joy is not gush; joy is not jolliness. Joy is simply perfect acquiescence in God’s will, because the soul delights itself in God himself. Amy Carmichael
JOY IS ON THE WAY
Morning Welcome Prelude EAST COOPER BAPTIST CHURCH 361 Egypt Road Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 843.856.3222
Equipping people to pursue Jesus Christ passionately as they impact the culture. eastcooperbaptist.com
ECBC Handbells
Carol of the Bells
Congregational Prayer Time and Morning Blessing As we spend time praying together in small groups this morning, we call out the names of people we are praying for this Advent and Christmas season, that the Lord would draw many close to Him and that we would have opportunity to share our faith and the joy of the Gospel with the lost and unchurched.
The Advent Hymn
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Veni Emmanuel
Advent The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate. In this double focus on past and future, Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power. That acknowledgment provides a basis for Kingdom ethics, for holy living arising from a profound sense that we live “between the times” and are called to be faithful stewards of what is entrusted to us as God’s people. So, as the church celebrates God’s in breaking into history in the Incarnation, and anticipates a future consummation to that history for which “all creation is groaning awaiting its redemption,” it also confesses its own responsibility as a people commissioned to “love the Lord your God with all your heart” and to “love your neighbor as yourself.”
Joy
The Morning Hymn
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;
15 Statements in the Search [from John Piper]
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
1. Realize that authentic joy in God is a gift.
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest;
2. Realize that joy must be fought for relentlessly.
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.
3. Resolve to attack all known sin in your life. 4. Learn the secret of gutsy guilt - how to fight like a justified sinner. 5. Realize that the battle is primarily a fight to see God for who he is. 6. Meditate on the Word of God day and night. 7. Pray earnestly and continually for open heart-eyes and an inclination for God. 8. Learn to preach to yourself rather than listen to yourself. 9. Spend time with God-saturated people who help you see God and fight the fight. 10. Be patient in the night of God’s seeming absence. 11. Get the rest and exercise proper diet that your body was designed by God to have. 12. Make a proper use of God’s revelation in nature. 13. Read great books about God and biographies of great saints. 14. Do the hard and loving thing for the sake of others (witness and mercy). 15. Get a global vision for the cause of Christ and pour yourself out for the unreached.
O Come, All Ye Faithful
The Affirmation of Faith
LEADER: Christians, what do you believe?
The Nicene Creed1
ALL: We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets; and we believe in one holy catholic2 and apostolic church; we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. 1 The Nicene Creed originated at the Council of Nicea (325) and was formulated to answer heresies that denied the biblical doctrine of the Trinity and the person of Christ. 2 The term catholic refers to the church universal, knowing no racial, economic, or geographic barriers.
Celebration of Baptism The Lighting of the Candle of JOY 9:30 The Beckman Family 11:00 The McEntire Family
The Advent Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8-14; Jude 24
Advent Response
Joy Has Dawned
Joy has dawned upon the world, Promised from creation— God’s salvation now unfurled, Hope for ev’ry nation. Not with fanfares from above, Not with scenes of glory, But a humble gift of love— Jesus born of Mary. Sounds of wonder fill the sky With the songs of angels As the mighty Prince of Life Shelters in a stable. Hands that set each star in place, Shaped the earth in darkness, Cling now to a mother’s breast, Vuln’rable and helpless. Shepherds bow before the Lamb, Gazing at the glory; Gifts of men from distant lands Prophesy the story. Gold—a King is born today, Incense—God is with us, Myrrh—His death will make a way, And by His blood He’ll win us. (continued)
Son of Adam, Son of heaven, Given as a ransom; Reconciling God and man, Christ, our mighty champion! What a Savior! What a Friend! What a glorious myst’ry! Once a babe in Bethlehem, Now the Lord of hist’ry.
The Music Worship
The King is Born in Bethlehem
ECBC Children’s Choir Soloists: Maggie O’Hanley, Isaac Byerly, Kinsley Cortis
Carol of Joy
Joy to the World!
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing. Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy. No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love.
Offertory Prayer Offertory
ECBC Handbells
Scott Frye, Deacon of the Day Ding Dong, Merrily On High
Congregational Greetings The Morning Sermon Conrad “Buster” Brown, Senior Pastor The Benediction
Let Your Kingdom Come
Let Your kingdom come Let Your will be done So that everyone might know Your Name Let Your song be heard everywhere on earth Till Your sovereign work on earth is done Let Your kingdom come
TONIGHT!
Remaining 2014 Christmas Outreach Opportunities LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING December 1 - January 31 Pray about what your family can give to reach the nations with the HOPE found only in Christ. ECBC Church Goal: $500,000. ECBC CHRISTMAS CONCERT “CHRISTUS PARADOX” TONIGHT! 7:00 PM North Charleston Performing Arts Center Invite friends and neighbors to this outreach opportunity. Bring canned goods to share with Lowcountry Food Bank. Invitation flyers available in hallway kiosks. Concert and Parking are Free. CHRISTMAS EVE “Emmanuel • God With Us” Use Christmas Eve services for another outreach opportunity to invite your friends and neighbors to come with you for a celebration of the incarnation of Christ. Services are 40 minutes in length at 4 pm, 5 pm, and 6 pm.
Babies & Toddlers In order to maintain a worshipful atmosphere and for the comfort of our little ones, we ask that parents exit the service with their crying babies and talkative toddlers. We would encourage parents to use our excellent nursery and trained staff to care for your children.
The Spoken Word
CD’s of today’s sermon ($3.00 each) may be ordered through the church office after today. Free copies of the 3-hole punch sermon notes are available on the wall slats.
Missed A Sermon? (or want to hear it again?) You can listen to Sunday messages online at www.eastcooperbaptist. com. Choose the “Resources” tab and click on “Sermons.”
Responding to the Word
As we sit under the reading and teaching of Scripture, it calls for a response as we ask ourselves “what will we do with the truth presented today?” The Christian life is marked by the offering of one’s self to God to be shaped, empowered, directed, and changed by God. In worship, God presents us with the costly self-offering of Jesus Christ. We are claimed by Christ and set free. In response to God’s love in Jesus Christ we offer our lives, our gifts, our time, our abilities, and our material goods, for God’s service, His glory, and our ultimate good.
The Morning Sermon (Glorious) Order in the Church I Timothy 2:8 Conrad “Buster” Brown, Senior Pastor I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling
“For until men recognize that they owe everything to God, that they are nourished by his fatherly care, that He is the Author of their every good, that they should seek nothing beyond Him – they will never yield Him willing service. Nay, unless they establish their complete happiness in Him, they will never give themselves truly and sincerely to Him.” John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book I “O God, You are the light of the minds that know. You, the life of the souls that love You, and the strength of the wills that serve You. Help us to know You that we may truly love You, so to love You that we may fully serve You, whom to serve his perfect freedom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” Augustine, Augustine and Pelagian Controversy, Lesson 16, Ancient and Medieval Church History, David C. Calhoun “God is the highest good of the reasonable creature; and the enjoyment of him is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. – To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but the enjoyment of God is the substance. These are but scattered beams; but God is the sun. These are but streams; but God is the fountain. These are but drops; but God is the ocean. The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Vol. 2, “The True Christian’s Life a Journey Towards Heaven”, p. 244 “23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” Luke 9:23-25 I. There is a connection between understanding the grace of the cross and the draining off of anger. “Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! 2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? 3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. 5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. 6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” 7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4
The draining off of anger: 1. Ponder/meditate/think. (v. 4b) “The Lord has set apart the godly for himself.” (v. 3) 2. Trust in the Lord. 3. Understand the cause and effect of beholding the beauty of the Lord. (v. 6b-8) II. Understand that there is a connection between the wonder of grace and avoiding an argumentative spirit; which does not see the glory of the cross. “2 Through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” 1 Timothy 4:2-3 “ If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 3
III. Godly worship is a manifestation of being keenly aware of the Kingly rule of the living God in our lives. What is thy only comfort in life and death? That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him. Heidelberg Catechism Question 1 “29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 Questions for Discussion: 1. What is the connection between understanding the grace of the cross (remember Paul referred to himself as the “foremost of sinners” 1 Timothy 1:16) and the draining off of anger? 2. How does the concept of “gospel triage” keep us from being people who are argumentative and disputative? 3. How does an understanding of grace help us to love difficult people in our circles of relationship during the holiday season? 4. Why does an understanding of eternity and judgment allow a believer to drain off anger as compared to someone that does not believe that there is a day of judgment and vindication before the Lord? 5. What do we mean when we say “in Christ’s cross, I agree with God’s Judgment of me and in Christ’s cross, I agree with God’s Justification of me”?
Information 12.07 Please complete and place in the offering plate SANCTUARY Visitor
Tear-off Sign-Up Info
________________________________ NAME ________________________________ SPOUSE NAME (if applicable) ________________________________ STREET / P.O. BOX ________________________________ CITY ________________________________ STATE ZIP (__________ ) ____________________ HOME PHONE ( __________ ) ____________________ CELL PHONE ( __________ ) ____________________ CELL PHONE SPOUSE ________________________________ E-MAIL ________________________________ E-MAIL SPOUSE Birthdate _________________ Birthdate Spouse__________________ Children’s Names / Gender /Birthdates ____________________M/F __________ NAME BIRTHDATE ____________________M/F __________ NAME BIRTHDATE ____________________M/F __________ NAME BIRTHDATE ___ I would like to become a Christian. ___ I would like to join ECBC. ___ I would like a personal visit. ___ I have a confidential need to discuss. ___ Add me to mail / e-mail list. ___ I would like information re:________ ___ I would like to join a Community Group. ___ Other: ________________________
Prayer Requests / People in Need
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please list your prayer requests and/or names (with detailed information) of people in need. Thank you! ___Confidential (distributed only to Pastors)
Old Fashioned Christmas Carol sing and dinner Sunday, December 21 at 5:30 pm. You and your family are invited to join us for an Old Fashioned Carol Sing and Christmas Dinner in the CLC. Laura Turner and her family will also be performing. Donations to offset food costs are appreciated. Contact Chef Bob at
[email protected] with questions.
Prayer Line: 856-3222 ext. PRAY(7729)
Perspectives Perspectives is a 16 week course starting in January helping believers from all walks of life see how they can get threaded into God’s story of redeeming people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to Himself. To learn more about Perspectives go to www.perspectives.org. Contact Erin at
[email protected] for more information. Converge Junior/Senior Retreat All high school juniors and seniors are invited to attend Converge. The retreat is in Ridgecrest, NC, from February 6-8, 2015. Cost is $150. Register at www.eastcooperbaptist.com (registration ends 2/1/15). Contact Larkin at larkins@eastcooperbaptist. com with questions. Women’s Annual Retreat: Living Joy! Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort, January 16-18, 2015. Speaker: Ruth Ripkin. Come enjoy sweet fellowship and time with the Lord at our annual women’s retreat. Go to www.eastcooperbaptist.com for more information and to register. christmas poinsettias and greenery The church is now accepting donations in honor or memory of a loved one for poinsettias and greenery to decorate our church for Christmas. Please complete today’s tear-off and include a check for $12 per donation.
Hannah’s Heart
Please PRINT your name and contact info on the opposite side of this tear-off. Please pray for us as we deal with infertility. I would like more information on
Hannah’s Heart - december 14 Is the desire to be parents an important matter of prayer for you? If you are a couple dealing with infertility concerns and wish to meet with a like minded group for PRAYER, please join us at 8:45 am on the second Sunday of each month in the ECBC Prayer Room. Come pray with us, or fill out the tear-off and we will pray for you. prime time adults Christmas Luncheon - Saturday, Dec 13th at Noon in B217, Christmas Concert - Sunday, Dec 7th at the N. Charleston Performing Arts Center we leave at 6 pm Festival of Lights - Saturday, Dec 20th, we leave at 5:30 pm For more information or to register for any or all of these events, call Erin Kortvelesy, Adult Ministry Associate 856-3222.
this group.
poinsettias 7 greenery
Please PRINT your name and contact info on the opposite side of this tear-off. ___Yes! I would like to make a donation to help decorate our church for the Christmas season. (Please attach a check in the amount of $12 for each donation.) In Honor Of: _____________________________________ In Memory Of:____________________________________
Giving
Given Last Week Required to Date Over/[Under]
ECBC Info
$ 84,141 $ 1,649,000 $ [35,395]
361 Egypt Road MP, SC 29464 Main Office 856-3222 Emergency Line ext. 7777 Fax 856-1136 Web eastcooperbaptist.com
Elders Harry Carter
Elder Chairman Reg Christopher Missions Joe Diamond & Ron Romagnoli Children Rick Ethredge Benevolence & Pastoral Care Mark Fitts High School John Graham PCA Rick Gwinn Finance & Facilities David Jackson Equipping/SMBC Mark Leiendecker Worship Lee Lewis Campus Outreach Robert McCants IV & Van Hendry Contemporary Worship Brad Reed Community Groups & Shepherding Ned Rupp & Bobby Weaver Young Adults Claude Tackett Middle School Derek Walden Deacons & Local Missions Mike Weeks Men & Women
